Robert F. X. "Bob" McRae Jr.

Robert F. X. “Bob” McRae Jr., of West Chester, Pennsylvania, passed away on July 7, 2026, at the age of 80.

Born in Darby, Pennsylvania, Bob was the son of the late Robert F. X. and Margaret (Dunn) McRae.

Bob devoted his career to Chester County, where he served for many years as a tax assessor. He approached his work with diligence, precision, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. He expected honesty, competence, and accountability from himself and from those around him, and he was never afraid to stand his ground when he believed something wasn’t right.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Bob answered the call of duty after being drafted during the Vietnam War. Like many veterans of his generation, he rarely spoke about his experiences, carrying that chapter of his life quietly.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman whose greatest joy was spending time in the woods of Sullivan County. Hunting was far more than a hobby—it was a lifelong passion. He took great pride in training many of his own hunting dogs. He also found time to teach aspiring hunters and shooters the appropriate way to handle and use a weapon. Fishing was another favorite pastime, and he and his beloved wife Carol looked forward to annual vacations along Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

An intelligent man with an inquisitive mind, Bob was a lifelong reader who amassed an impressive personal library. He enjoyed spirited political discussions and held strong opinions throughout his life. Though a lifelong Republican, he became an Independent in later years as his views evolved. He was never afraid to speak his mind, and those who knew him understood exactly where he stood.

Bob was old-school in many ways. He resisted much of modern technology, preferred writing checks to using an ATM card, and balanced his checkbook with remarkable precision until the very end. He believed in doing things the way he trusted, and that steadfastness defined much of his life.

Those closest to Bob knew him as a man who could be gruff, stubborn, and demanding. He expected good service, high standards, and wasn’t shy about expressing his dissatisfaction when he felt those standards weren’t met. Even during his final days, his determination and independent spirit never faded.

Yet beneath his tough exterior was a deeply loyal man who loved his family in his own way. He and Carol shared more than fifty years in the home they built together, and he was a devoted husband throughout their marriage. He was a familiar and welcome presence at family holidays, weddings, graduations, and celebrations. He was also generous in sharing his hunting property with friends and family, creating memories that will last for generations.

Bob’s proudest achievement was his mentorship of Jacob “Jake” Zieber. He would speak about him at length to anyone who would listen and relish in the accomplishments of Jake’s life. He was the son he never had and one of his closest friends.

Bob lived life on his own terms. He was opinionated, resilient, fiercely independent, and uncompromising in his beliefs. Though he could challenge the patience of those who loved him, they loved him nonetheless because they knew his heart was good. His honesty, loyalty, and unmistakable personality made him one of a kind, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Bob was the beloved husband of Carol A. (Cortese) McRae; the loving brother of Bill McRae (Pat) and Joan D. Kleckner (Mark); and the caring uncle of Julie Catini, Mark Kleckner III, Chris McRae, Dave McRae, Brian McRae, Mark Cortese, Kim Cortese, and Jacob Zieber.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s honor would be appreciated to Folds of Honor Mid-Atlantic, PO Box 276, Center Valley, PA 18034 or online at https://midatlantic.foldsofhonor.org/